Perhaps the most appropriate place to celebrate the Fourth of July is Monticello, the home of the author of the Declaration of Independence. Since 1963--and on occasion before then--the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has hosted an annual naturalization ceremony on Independence Day during which people from around the world become Americans. This gift volume gathers some of the stirring remarks made by national figures as they have addressed the new citizens. Speakers featured in the volume include Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Gerald Ford, along with General Colin Powell, scientist Carl Sagan, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, historian David McCullough, author Frank McCourt, and former Ambassador Andrew Young. Added to their inspirational words are photographs that bring to life the moving patriotism of the occasion.
This collection challenges us to reflect on the opportunities and obligations of American citizenship. Jefferson himself hoped that Americans would use the Fourth of July--what he called "the great birthday of our republic"--to "refresh our recollections of [our] rights, and an undiminished devotion to them." Experience for yourself this celebration of freedom, renewal, and opportunity.
